Acts of kindness in the home

Spouses, children, parents and siblings often endure our bad moods. What better way to thank them for their love and support than by taking time to be kind?

• Offer up a back rub: After a long day at work or hours of homework and housework, being able to relax with another person is one of the best ways to get a little relief. The simple act of making contact can be relaxing. Simply have a conversation with someone, give them a hug and take the time to rub their back.

• Do a household chore from someone else’s list: Many households develop routines and responsibilities. Offer to wash the dishes or fold the laundry even it isn’t usually on your list.

• Include others in your decisions: The next time you need to make a decision, make an effort to include everyone who will be affected by the outcome. Whether your decision is something small, like what to have for dinner, or something big, like what neighborhood to move to, ask everyone involved if they have an opinion and want to help make the decision.

• Thank your parents: Our parents do a lot for us. No matter your age, take some time to say “thank you.” Is there a specific situation when they went above and beyond to help? Or did they inspire you in some unspoken way? Surprise them with a card or letter to let them know how much you appreciate their love and guidance.

These are just a few small ways to show the people around you how much you care. Take a moment to share your favorite expressions of appreciation in our comment section. Then, check out more ways to spread kindness with The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.